Rules for motorcyclists

Rules for motorcyclists, including helmets, carrying passengers, daylight riding and riding in the dark.

These Rules are in addition to those in the following sections which apply to all vehicles. See ‘Motorcycle licence requirements’.

General (rules 83 to 88)

Rule 83

On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective helmet. Before each journey check that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 16 & 17, & MC(PH)R as amended reg 4

Rule 84

It is also advisable to wear eye protectors, which MUST comply with the Regulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors can limit your view when riding, particularly in bright sunshine and the hours of darkness. Consider wearing ear protection. Strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing may help to protect you if you are involved in a collision.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 18 & MC(EP)R as amended reg 4

Rule 85

You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 23, MV(DL)R reg 16(6) & CUR reg 102

Rule 86

Daylight riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. However, be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.

Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen

Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen

Rule 87

Riding in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark. These reflect light from the headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a longer distance. See Rules 113 to 116 for lighting requirements.

Rule 88

Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.

Remember: Observation – Signal – Manoeuvre

Industry leading reviews from 2171 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

Learning to drive and want a bit of extra assistance before your driving test? 😍 Our 'Learning to Drive' articles will help you find all the answers to any question you have, to help you pass your driving theory test first time! 👇 https://t.co/RDwGZhp5NI #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/LwrOr3eEBu
15 hours ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/0uumcTNWUU
3 days ago
What is the 2026 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/g1tz97LUEy
4 days ago
What should you do if your ABS light stays on? This is a question you will need to be able to answer for your UK driving theory test. Read our handy article to find out more https://t.co/rxH1U4ZrX6 https://t.co/IMc7OSHJHp
5 days ago
If you see a ford warning road sign you will need to keep an eye out for water on the road 🌊 Learn more about the ford warning road sign as well as the other 900+ road signs you need to know to pass your DVSA theory test 👇 https://t.co/99DHIDtKHx https://t.co/k1BrST00hW
6 days ago
Are you looking to pass your driving theory test? 😃 Our AI-powered driving theory test app can help you pass your theory test quicker than you thought possible 😍 Start your driving theory test practice free trial now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR https://t.co/cBf1YgM17m
6 days ago
If you're looking to pass your DVSA theory test in 2026, you will need to ensure you know your road signs. 👀 Why not, try using the UK Road Signs section of our website to assist your learning, COMPLETELY FREE! 👇 https://t.co/RpL68eHwlB https://t.co/qkEMndMePJ
1 week ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/wmhYVS1vYY
1 week ago
Need to find your theory test centre for your theory test in 2026? 👀 Use our useful tool to find the DVSA driving test centre closest to you 👇 https://t.co/LcLUW7uqHk https://t.co/7pYNuhDK8b
1 week ago
Looking to pass your driving theory test in 2026? 😍 Hazard Perception is an important part of the theory test. 👀 Take a free hazard perception test now and get ready to pass your theory test first time. 👇 https://t.co/WhqbFkSkWa https://t.co/i86jOITowU
1 week ago
What is the 2026 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/CRJv3x0ja0
1 week ago
Happy New Year from everyone here at Driving Theory 4 All! 🎄🎁 If you're looking to pass your driving theory test in 2026 and want help learning everything you need, give us a try 👇 https://t.co/vv7cJmT620 #theorytest https://t.co/mVOA0j6SbY
1 week ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/R0Sf8lb6cw
1 week ago
Do you need to head to your local DVSA theory test centre to take your driving theory test? 👀 Are you looking for assistance in booking your car theory test? 😀 We can help. We will book your theory test and even offer FREE re-sits! 👇 https://t.co/Smc2AfVxll https://t.co/zubeXsOkaN
1 week ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/sTdXq3B0Q9
2 weeks ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/HojslWablH
2 weeks ago
Merry Christmas from everyone here at Driving Theory 4 All! 🎄🎁 If you're looking to pass your driving theory test in 2026 and want help learning everything you need, give us a try 👇 https://t.co/scPqZ2czwV #drivingtheorytest #theorytest #cartheorytest https://t.co/RMTGH6NvB4
2 weeks ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a pedestrian crossing that prioritises the safety of pedestrians. Find out everything you need to know here 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #booktheorytest #highwaycode #roadsafety https://t.co/4qc33ezNOx
2 weeks ago
Want to try some FREE mock theory tests to get ready to pass your DVSA theory test in 2026? 👀 Whether you're taking your car theory test or your ADI Part 1 theory test we've got you covered! 👇 https://t.co/7il2jIpX4r https://t.co/E9a1MRIWGO
2 weeks ago
Looking to pass your theory test in 2026? 👀 Our Free Theory Test Practice resources page can help you by providing plenty of FREE revision assistance. 😀 Check out our free theory test practice resources now 👇 https://t.co/66v9hVuK0d https://t.co/h5QgNew5D1
3 weeks ago